Bottle Assembly

ABSTRACT

A bottle assembly for carrying a gift item of value is disclosed. The bottle assembly includes a bottle having a side wall and a bottom wall coupled to the side wall. The side wall and the bottom wall define an interior of the bottle for holding a liquid. The side wall defines an open end for receiving the liquid and the bottom wall defines a closed end opposite the open end. The bottle further defines a cavity for holding the gift item. The bottle assembly further includes a cover removably secured to the bottle for covering the cavity and retaining the gift item within the cavity. The bottle assembly further includes a locking mechanism for securing the cover to the bottle. The locking mechanism has a first locking member mounted to the bottle and a second locking member mounted to the cover. The first locking member aligns with the second locking member and the second locking member engages the first locking member for interlocking the locking members.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/912,308 filed on Dec. 5,2013, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a bottle assembly and, moreparticularly, to a bottle assembly for carrying a gift item of value.

BACKGROUND

Nightclubs, lounges, and other similar establishments often allowpatrons to purchase liquor by the bottle. In some establishments, abottle service is available where liquor by the bottle may be served topatrons in a private party, to one or more reserved tables, and/or thelike. In some instances, the bottle(s) of liquor available during abottle service may be used to carry a gift item, such as an engagementring, a gold chain, a charm, and/or other gift items of value.Typically, the gift item is attached to the bottle, wrapped around theneck of the bottle, or disposed with the bottle case. In some instances,however, the gift item may be easily removed and/or taken from thebottle or the bottle case.

There remains an opportunity to provide a bottle assembly which securelycarries a gift item of value so that the gift item cannot be easilyremoved and/or taken from the bottle.

SUMMARY

A bottle assembly for carrying a gift item of value comprises a bottlehaving at least one side wall and a bottom wall coupled to the sidewall. The side wall and the bottom wall define an interior of the bottlefor holding a liquid. The said wall defines an open end for receivingthe liquid and the bottom wall defines a closed end opposite the openend. The bottle further defines a cavity for holding the gift item. Thebottle assembly further comprises a cover removably secured to thebottle for covering the cavity to retain the gift item within thecavity. The bottle assembly further comprises a locking device forsecuring the cover to the bottle. The locking device has a first lockingmember mounted to the bottle and a second locking member mounted to thecover. The first locking member aligns with the second locking memberand the second locking member engages the first locking member forinterlocking the first and second locking members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated, as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription, when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be appreciated that the figures are merelyillustrative and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a semi-schematic side view of an embodiment of a bottleassembly including a bottle with a portion of the bottle broken away toreveal a cavity defined by a curved bottom wall of the bottle, acontainer disposed within the cavity, and a gift item within thecontainer.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a semi-schematic side view of another embodiment of the bottleassembly including a bottle with a portion of the bottle broken away toreveal a cavity defined by a curved bottom wall of the bottle, a giftitem within the cavity, and a cover removably secured to the bottle.

FIG. 6 is a semi-schematic side view of yet another embodiment of thebottle assembly including a bottle with a portion of the bottle brokenaway to reveal a cavity defined by a curved bottom wall of the bottle, agift item within the cavity, and a cover pre-joined to the bottle by aliving hinge, where the cover is shown in a closed position.

FIG. 7 is a fragmented side view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 6 withthe cover shown in an open position.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a semi-schematic side view of another embodiment of the bottleassembly including a bottle with a portion of the bottle broken away toreveal a cavity defined by a substantially flat bottom wall and sidewalls extending a distance beyond the bottom wall, a container disposedwithin the cavity, and a gift item within the container.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a semi-schematic perspective view of yet another embodimentof the bottle assembly including a bottle, a cavity defined by a sidewall of the bottle, and a gift item within the container.

FIG. 12 is a semi-schematic side view of bottle assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a semi-schematic side view of still another embodiment of thebottle assembly including a bottle with a portion of the bottle brokenaway to reveal a substantially flat bottom wall, a container mounted tothe bottom wall, and a gift item within the container.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an exploded bottom view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a semi-schematic side view of still another embodiment of thebottle assembly including a bottle, a container mounted to a side wallof the bottle, and a gift item disposed within the container.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a semi-schematic side view of another embodiment of thebottle assembly including a bottle, a container coupled to the bottleand having first and second pieces coupled to one another, a chamberdefined in the container, and a gift item disposed within the chamber.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 19 including twolocking mechanisms.

FIG. 21 is an exploded plan view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 19including two locking mechanisms.

FIG. 22 is an exploded plan view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 19including a hinge pre-joining the pieces of the container to oneanother, and further including a locking mechanism for securing thefirst and second pieces to one another.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the bottle assembly of FIG. 15 disposedwithin a case.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an example of a cork for the bottlewhere the cork houses a key of the locking mechanism.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another example of a cork for thebottle where the cork includes a recess for receiving a key of thelocking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures, wherein like numerals indicatecorresponding parts throughout the several views, various embodiments ofthe bottle assembly 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 are shownthroughout the figures and are described in detail below. The bottleassembly 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 may be used to carry agift item 34, 134, 234, 334, 434, 534, 634, 734 of value such as for abottle service. It is to be understood that the bottle assembly 10, 100,200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 may be used for other applications, and isnot limited to bottle services. As used herein, a gift item is anytangible object offered or received as a gift. The gift item may be anyitem, such as money, a token, jewelry, a ticket, clothing, a charm, etc.In an example, the gift item is an item of value, such as a diamondring, a gold bracelet, a ruby necklace, a gold charm, and/or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of the bottle assembly 10comprises a bottle 12. The bottle 12 may be any type of bottle, such asa wine bottle, a champaign bottle, a liquor bottle, a milk bottle, asoda bottle, a water bottle, and/or the like. In the embodiment shown,the bottle 12 is a wine bottle. Additionally, the bottle 12 may be madefrom any suitable material, such as a glass, a polymeric material suchas plastic, and/or a metal. The bottle 12 may also have any shape. Asshown, the bottle 12 has a circular shape. Other shapes of the bottle 12include square shapes, rectangular shapes, oval shapes, hexagonalshapes, octagonal shapes, triangular shapes, etc. Further, the bottle 12may have any size in terms of height and effective diameter. In anexample, the effective diameter of the bottle 12 is consistent along itsheight. In another example, the effective diameter of the bottle 12changes at one or more points along its height. As shown, the bottle 12has a first effective diameter near the top of the bottle 12, whichdefines a bottle neck 14. As also shown, the bottle 12 has a secondeffective diameter near the middle and the bottom of the bottle 12,which defines a body 16.

The bottle 12 has at least one side wall 18 and a bottom wall 20 coupledto the side wall 18. For instance, where the bottle 12 has a circularshape, the bottle 12 has one continuous side wall 18. For instance,where the bottle 12 is square shaped, then the bottle as four side walls18 that are coupled to form the square shape. In an example, the bottomwall 20 is integral with the side wall 18. For instance, the bottle 12may be made from glass which is blown into the bottle shape includingthe side wall(s) 18 and the bottom wall 20 which is integral with theside wall(s) 18. In another example, the bottom wall 20 ismetallurgically coupled to the side wall(s) 18 (such as by welding orbrazing) or chemically coupled to the side wall(s) 18 (such as bychemical bonding between the side 18 and bottom 20 walls or by using anadhesive).

The side wall(s) 18 and the bottom wall 20 of the bottle 12 define aninterior 22 of the bottle 12 for holding a liquid, such as wine,champaign, liquor, water, etc. Typically, the interior 22 extendsthrough the neck 14 and the body 16 of the bottle 12. Further, the sidewall(s) 18 defines an open end 24 for receiving the liquid which isretained or held within the interior 22 of the bottle 12. The open end24 is also available for removing at least a portion of the liquidretained or held within the interior of the bottle 12, such as whenpouring the liquid into a glass. The open end 24 is typically sealedusing a cork 50, 50′, and access to the liquid inside the bottle 12 maybe obtained by removing the cork 50, 50′ from the open end 24 of thebottle 12. Examples of the cork 50, 50′ are described below withreference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

The bottom wall 20 defines a closed end 26 opposite the open end 24. Asshown, the bottom wall 20 has an inner surface 28 that faces theinterior 22 of the bottle and an outer surface 30 which faces anexterior of the bottle 12. Typically, the liquid cannot be removed,leak, or escape from the interior 22 of the bottle 12 through the closedend 26. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the bottom wall 20 alsocurves inwardly toward the interior 22 of the bottle 12 forming a punt.

The bottle 12 defines a cavity 32 for holding the gift item 34. In anexample, and as shown, the cavity 32 conforms to the shape of the bottomwall 20 of the bottle 12.

The bottle assembly 10 further includes a container 36 disposed withinthe cavity 32 of the bottle 12. As shown, the container 36 receives andholds the gift item 34. In an example, the container 36 may be coupled(such as mechanically, metallurgically, and/or chemically coupled) tothe bottom wall 20 of the bottle 12. In another example, the container36 may be coupled (such as mechanically, metallurgically, and/orchemically coupled) to a cover 38 which is removably secured to thebottle 12. The cover 38 is described in further detail below.

The container 36 may have any size and shape, and the container 36 maybe formed from any suitable material. In an example, the container 36may be formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material so thatthe gift item 34 held inside the container 36 is visible. Alternatively,the container 36 may be formed from an opaque material so that the giftitem 34 held inside the container 36 is not visible.

As previously mentioned, the bottle assembly 10 further includes thecover 38. The cover 38 is removably secured to the bottle 12 forcovering the cavity 32 to retain the gift item 34 within the cavity 32.As shown, the gift item 34 is disposed within the container 36, and thecover 38 is removably secured to the bottle 12 for covering the cavity32 to retain the container 36 within the cavity 32. As also shown, thecover 38 is completely removable from the bottle 12 so that the giftitem 34 can be placed within the container 36 or removed from thecontainer 36. The cover 38 may be formed from or include any material.In an example, the cover 38 is the same material as the bottle 12. Inanother example, the cover 38 is made of or includes a material that isdifferent from the bottle 12. Typically, the cover 38 is made from orincludes a material that is strong enough so that the cover 38 cannot beeasily broken, torn, damaged, cracked, and/or the like.

The cover 38 is designed to completely cover and enclose the cavity 32when the cover 38 is secured to the bottle 12. As shown, the bottom wall20 is formed so that the cover 38 is flush with the bottom wall 20 whenthe cover 32 is secured to the bottle 12. It is to be understood thatthe cover 38 may otherwise be secured to the bottle 12 such that thecover 38 overlaps the bottom wall 20. In this instance, the cover 38 isnot flush with the bottom wall 20 of the bottle 12.

The bottle assembly 10 further includes a locking mechanism 40 forsecuring the cover 38 to the bottle 12. The locking mechanism 40 has afirst locking member 42 mounted to the bottle 12 and a second lockingmember 44 mounted to the cover 38. As shown at least in FIG. 2, thefirst locking member 42 aligns with the second locking member 44 whenthe cover 38 is placed into proper position to cover the cavity 32 ofthe bottle 12. The cover 38 is secured to the bottle 12 when the secondlocking member 42 (which is mounted to the cover 38) engages the firstlocking member 44 (which is mounted to the bottle 12) for interlockingthe first and second locking members 42, 44.

In an example, the locking mechanism 40 is a lock and key mechanism. Forexample, the first locking member 42 may include a first slot 48 and thesecond locking member 42 may include a second slot 49 with a locking bar(not shown). The locking mechanism 40 further includes a key 46 (whichis shown in FIGS. 23-25) for actuating the interlocking of the first andsecond locking members 42, 44. When the slots 48, 49 of the respectivefirst and second locking mechanisms 42, 44 are aligned, the key 46 maybe inserted into the aligned slots and then turned to move the lockingbar into a latched position to interlock the first and second lockingmembers 42, 44. In another example, the locking mechanism 40 may have acombination mechanism for actuating the interlocking the first andsecond locking members 42, 44. Examples of combination mechanismsinclude push-button combination locks, dial combination locks, and/orthe like.

As previously mentioned, the bottle assembly 10 further includes thecork 50, 50′ for corking or plugging the open end 24 of the bottle 12.The cork 50, 50′ may be made from any suitably impermeable and buoyantmaterial, such as the bark tissue of the Cork Oak tree. In an example,the cork 50, 50′ may also be used to carry the key 46 of the lockingmechanism 40. As shown in FIG. 24, for example, the key 46 may beembedded in the cork 50. As shown in FIG. 25, for example, the key 46may be received in a recess 52 formed in the cork 50′. As shown in FIG.25, the recess 52 may be formed in the top of the cork 50′, and the key46 may be inserted into the recess 52. It is to be understood that therecess 52 can be formed anywhere on the cork 50′, such as in the bottomof the cork 50′, on the side of the cork 50′, etc.

Another embodiment of the bottle assembly 100 is shown in FIG. 5. Thebottle assembly 100 in this embodiment is similar to the bottle assembly10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4 except that the bottleassembly 100 shown in FIG. 5 does not include the container 36. Forexample, the bottle assembly 100 includes the bottle 112 having at leastone side wall 118 and a bottom wall 120 defining an interior 122 of thebottle 112. The bottle 112 further defines a cavity 132 for holding agift item 134, and a cover 138 removably secured to the bottle 112 forcovering the cavity 132 and retaining the gift item 134 within thecavity 132. As shown, the cover 138 is removably secured to the bottle112 with a locking mechanism 140, which may be a lock and key mechanismor a combination mechanism as previously described. In this embodiment,the gift item 134 is disposed directly in the cavity 132 and the cover138 is secured to the bottle 112 to retain the gift item 134 inside thecavity 132.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the cover 138 is similar to the cover38 of the bottle assembly 10 described above with reference to FIGS.1-4. As shown in FIG. 5, the cover 138 is entirely removable from thebottle 112 so that the gift item 134 can be placed within the cavity 132and/or removed from the cavity 132.

Yet another example of the bottle assembly 200 is shown in FIGS. 6-8. Inthis embodiment, the bottle assembly 200 includes the bottle 212 havingat least one side wall 218 and a bottom wall 220 defining an interior222 of the bottle 212. The bottle 212 further defines a cavity 232 forholding a gift item 234. The bottle assembly 200 further includes acover 238 removably secured to the bottle 212 for covering the cavity232 and retaining the gift item 234 within the cavity 232. As shown, thegift item 234 is disposed directly in the cavity 232 and the cover 238is secured to the bottle 212 to retain the gift item 234 inside thecavity 232. To this end, the bottle assembly 200 is similar to thebottle assembly 100 described with reference to FIG. 5.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-8, however, the cover 238 of thebottle assembly 200 further has a living hinge 254 for enabling saidcover 238 to move between open and closed positions relative to thecavity 232 of the bottle 212. As used herein, the closed position of thecover 238 is the position of the cover 238 when the cover 238 completelycovers the cavity 232 of the bottle 212. An example of the cover 238 inthe closed position is shown in FIG. 6. As also used herein, the openposition of the cover 238 is any position of the cover 238 when thecavity 232 is at least partially exposed to the exterior of the bottle212. An example of the cover 238 in the open position is shown in FIG.7. It is to be understood that the gift item 234 may be received in orremoved from the cavity 232 when the cover 238 is in the open position,and the gift item 234 is retained in the cavity 232 when the cover 238is in the closed position.

Another embodiment of the bottle assembly 300 is shown in FIGS. 9 and10. In this embodiment, the bottle assembly 300 comprises a bottle 312having at least one side wall 318 and a bottom wall 320 coupled to theside wall 318. The side wall 318 and the bottom wall 320 of the bottle312 define an interior 322 of the bottle 312 for holding a liquid.Further, the side wall 318 defines an open end 324 for receiving theliquid and for removing at least a portion of the liquid held within theinterior of the bottle 312. The bottom wall 320 defines a closed end 326opposite the open end 324. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10,the bottom wall 320 has a flat or substantially flat surface and isperpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the side wall 318.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the side wall 318 extends a distance beyondthe bottom wall 320. The bottom wall 320 and the portion of the sidewall 318 extending beyond of the bottom wall 320 define a cavity 332 ofthe bottle 312 for holding a gift item 334.

As shown, the bottle assembly 300 further includes a container 336disposed within the cavity 332 of the bottle 312. As shown, thecontainer 336 holds the gift item 334. In an example, the container 36may be coupled (such as mechanically, metallurgically, and/or chemicallycoupled) to the bottom wall 320 of the bottle 312. In another example,and as shown, the container 36 may be coupled (such as mechanically,metallurgically, and/or chemically coupled) to a cover 338 which isremovably secured to the bottle 312.

The cover 338 is removably secured to the bottle 312 for covering thecavity 332. In the present embodiment, the cover 338 is removablysecured to the bottle 12 for covering the cavity 32 and retaining thecontainer 336 (which holds the gift item 334) within the container 336.As shown, the cover 338 is entirely removable from the bottle 312 sothat the gift item 334 can be placed within the container 336. Further,the cover 338 is designed to completely cover and enclose the cavity 332when the cover 338 is secured to the bottle 312.

The bottle assembly 300 further includes a locking mechanism 340 forsecuring the cover 338 to the bottle 312. The locking mechanism 340 hasa first locking member 342 mounted to the bottle 312 and a secondlocking member 344 mounted to the cover 338. In an example, the lockingmechanism 340 is a lock and key mechanism. In another example, thelocking mechanism 340 has a combination mechanism for interlocking thefirst and second locking members 342, 344.

Another embodiment of the bottle assembly 400 is shown in FIGS. 11 and12. The bottle assembly 400 in this embodiment is similar to the bottleassembly 100 described above with reference to FIG. 5; however, thebottle assembly 400 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 have a cavity 432 definedin the side wall 418 of the bottle 412. For example, and as shown, aportion of the side wall 418 curves inwardly toward the interior 422 ofthe bottle 412 and defines the cavity 432 for holding a gift item 434.

Another embodiment of the bottle assembly 500 is shown in FIGS. 13-16.In this embodiment, the bottle assembly 500 comprises a bottle 512having at least one side wall 518 and a bottom wall 520 coupled to theside wall 518. The side wall 518 and the bottom wall 520 of the bottle512 define an interior 522 of the bottle 512 for holding a liquid.Further, the side wall 518 defines an open end 524 for receiving theliquid which is retained or held within the interior 522 of the bottle512. The open end 524 is also available for removing at least a portionof the liquid held within the interior of the bottle 512. The open end524 is typically sealed using a cork 50, 50′, and access to the liquidinside the bottle 512 may be obtained by removing the cork 50, 50′ fromthe open end 524 of the bottle 512. Further, the bottom wall 520 definesa closed end 526 opposite the open end 524, and is flat or substantiallyflat. Typically, the liquid cannot be removed, leak, or escape from theinterior 522 of the bottle 512 through the closed end 526.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-16, the bottle assembly 500 furtherincludes a container 536 mounted to the bottle 512. As shown, thecontainer 536 holds a gift item 534. The container 536 may be coupled(such as mechanically, metallurgically, and/or chemically coupled) tothe bottom wall 520 of the bottle 512. In one example, the container 536is mounted to the bottle 512 with an adhesive.

The container 536 may have any size and shape and may be formed from anysuitable material. In the present embodiment, the container 536 is thesame size and shape as the bottom wall 520 of the bottle 512. In anexample, the container 536 may be formed from a transparent orsemi-transparent material so that the gift item 534 held inside thecontainer 536 is visible. In another example, the container 536 may beformed from an opaque material so that the gift item 534 held inside thecontainer 536 is not visible from outside of the bottle 512.

Additionally, the container 536 further includes an opening 558 whichprovides access to the interior 560 of the container 536. In an example,the gift item 534 may be received within the container 536 or removedfrom the container 536 through the opening 558.

The bottle assembly 500 further includes a cover 538. The cover 538 isremovably secured to the container 536 for covering the opening 560 andretaining the gift item 534 within the container 536. In the presentembodiment, the cover 538 is entirely removable from the container 536to expose the opening 560 so that the gift item 534 can be placed withinthe container 536. The cover 538 may be formed from or include anymaterial. In an example, the cover 538 is the same material as thebottle 512. In another example, the cover 538 is made of or includes amaterial that is different from the bottle 512. Typically, the cover 538is made from or includes a material that is strong enough so that thecover 538 cannot be easily broken, torn, damaged, cracked, and/or thelike.

The cover 538 is designed to complete cover and enclose the opening 560of the container 536 when the cover 538 is secured to the container 536.As shown, the opening 560 is formed in the container 536 so that thecover 538 is flush with the container 536 wall when the cover 538 issecured to the bottle 512.

The bottle assembly 500 further includes a locking mechanism 540 forsecuring the cover 538 to the container 536. The locking mechanism 540has a first locking member 542 mounted to the container 536 and a secondlocking member 544 mounted to the cover 538. As shown at least in FIG.14, the first locking member 542 aligns with the second locking member544 when the cover 538 is placed into proper position to cover theopening 560 of the container 536. The cover 538 is secured to the bottle512 when the second locking member 542 (which is mounted to the cover538) engages the first locking member 544 (which is mounted to thecontainer 536) for interlocking the first and second locking members542, 544.

In an example, the locking mechanism 540 may be a lock and keymechanism. For example, the first locking member 540 includes a firstslot 548 and the second locking member 542 includes a second slot 549and a locking bar (not shown). The locking mechanism 540 furtherincludes a key 46 (shown in FIGS. 23-25) for actuating the interlockingof the first and second locking members 542, 544. When the slots 548,549 of the first and second locking mechanisms 542, 544, respectively,are aligned, the key 46 may be inserted into the aligned slots andturned to move the locking bar into a latched position, therebyinterlocking the first and second locking members 542, 544. In anotherexample, the locking mechanism 540 has a combination mechanism forinterlocking the first and second locking members 542, 544. Examples ofcombination mechanisms include push-button combination locks, dialcombination locks, and/or the like.

Another embodiment of the bottle assembly 600 is shown in FIGS. 17 and18. The bottle assembly 600 in this embodiment is similar to the bottleassembly 500 described above with reference to FIGS. 13-16; however, thebottle assembly 600 shown in FIGS. 17-19 includes the container 636mounted to the side wall 618 of the bottle 612. In an example, a giftitem (not shown) may be disposed within the container 636, and a cover638 is secured to the container 636 with a locking mechanism 640. Asshown, the container 636 is mounted to a portion of the side wall 618.As also shown, the container 636 is mounted at least on the neck 614 ofthe bottle 612. It is to be understood that the container 636 can bemounted anywhere on the bottle 612, such as on the body 616, on the neck614, or on both the neck 614 and the body 616. Further, in thisembodiment, the container 636 extends radially around a portion of thebottle 612 relative to a longitudinal axis A; and not radially aroundthe entire bottle 612 relative to the longitudinal axis A.

Yet another embodiment of the bottle assembly 700 is shown in FIGS.19-22. In this embodiment, the bottle assembly 700 includes a bottle 712having at least one side wall 718 and a bottom wall 720 coupled to theside wall 718. The side wall 718 and the bottom wall 720 of the bottle712 define an interior 722 of the bottle 712 for holding a liquid.Further, the side wall 718 defines an open end 724 for receiving theliquid which is held or retained within the interior 722 of the bottle712. The open end 724 is also available for removing at least a portionof the liquid held within the interior of the bottle 712. The open end724 is typically sealed using a cork 50, 50′, and access to the liquidinside the bottle 712 may be obtained by removing the cork 50, 50′.Further, the bottom wall 720 defines a closed end 726 opposite the openend 724. Typically, the liquid cannot be removed or otherwise escapefrom the interior 722 of the bottle 712 through the closed end 726.

The bottle assembly 700 further includes a container 736 mounted to thebottle 712 for holding a gift item 734. In this embodiment, thecontainer 736 is coupled to the bottle 712 and has first 762 and second764 pieces removably secured to one another. In an example, the bottle712 has an outer surface and each of the first 762 and second 764 pieceshas an inner surface conforming to the outer surface of the bottle 712.With this configuration, the container 736 fits properly around thebottle 712 similar to a glove-fit, and the container 736 cannot beremoved from the bottle 712 until the pieces 762, 764 are separated fromone another.

The container 736 may have any size and shape and may be formed from anysuitable material. In the present embodiment, the container 736 has aneffective diameter that is substantially the same as the body 716 of thebottle 712. It is to be understood, however, that the container 736 canhave an effective diameter that is larger or smaller than the effectivediameter of the body 716 of the bottle 712. In an example, the container736 is formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material so thatthe gift item 734 held inside the container 736 is visible. In anotherexample, the container 736 is formed from an opaque material so that thegift item 734 held inside the container 736 is not visible from outsideof the bottle 712.

In an example, and as shown in FIG. 21, the first and second pieces 762,764 of the container 736 are completely separable from one another. Inthis example, the pieces 762, 764 are secured to one another utilizing afirst 740 _(A) and second 740 _(B) locking mechanism. The first lockingmechanism 740 _(A) secures the first 762 and second 764 pieces to oneanother at a first location, and the second locking mechanism 740 _(B)secures the first 762 and second 764 pieces to one another at a secondlocation. As shown, the first 740 _(A) and second 740 _(B) lockingmechanisms are located about 180° from one another. Further, each of thelocking mechanisms 740 _(A) and 740 _(B) may be a lock and key mechanismand/or a combination mechanism as previously described.

In an alternate example, the bottle assembly 700′ shown in FIG. 22includes the container 736 having first and second pieces 762, 764 whichform a clamshell having a hinge 770 (such as a living hinge) pre-joiningthe first and second pieces 762, 764 to one another. In this example,the bottle assembly 700′ further has a locking mechanism 740 forsecuring the first and second pieces 762, 764 to one another. Thelocking mechanism 740 may be a lock and key mechanism and/or acombination mechanism as previously described.

As shown in FIGS. 19-22, the bottle assembly 700, 700′ further includesa chamber 766 having two portions, where each portion is formed in arespective one of the pieces 762, 764 of the container 736. When thepieces 762, 764 are separated, the gift item (not shown) may be placedwithin one of the portions of the chamber 766. When the pieces 762, 764may be secured to one another, the gift is encapsulated within thechamber 766.

The embodiments and examples of the bottle assembly 10, 100, 200, 300,400, 500, 600, 700 described in detail above may be used to securelyhold a gift item of value such that the gift item cannot be easilyremoved or taken from the bottle 12, 112, 212, 32, 412, 512, 612, 712.Typically, during a bottle service for example, the server delivers thebottle assembly 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 to the patron, andmay provide the patron with the key 46 or access to the key 46 to thelocking mechanism 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 640, 740 so that thepatron can remove the gift item inside the bottle assembly 10, 100, 200,300, 400, 500, 600, 700. While the bottle assembly 10, 100, 200, 300,400, 500, 600, 700 may be served or delivered directly to the patronduring a bottle service, for example, it may be desirable in someapplications to present the bottle assembly in a case or otherpackaging. As shown in FIG. 23, for example, the bottle assembly 400 isplaced within a case 772. The case 772 may be designed in any way asdesired. As shown in FIG. 23, for example, the key 46 to the lockingmechanism 440 of the bottle assembly 400 is secured to the case, such ason the interior of the door.

Several embodiments and examples of the bottle assembly 10, 100, 200,300, 400, 500, 600, 700 have been described in detail above, and havebeen shown semi-schematically throughout the figures. It is to beunderstood that various features of one embodiment of the bottleassembly 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 may be interchangeable.For example, the cover 238 of the bottle assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 6-8including the living hinge 254 may be used in the bottle assembly 500shown in FIGS. 13-16.

While the invention has been described with reference to the examplesabove, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variouschanges may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elementsthereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition,many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation ormaterial to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all examples falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bottle assembly for carrying a gift item ofvalue, said bottle assembly comprising: a bottle having at least oneside wall and a bottom wall coupled to said side wall with said sidewall and said bottom wall defining an interior of said bottle forholding a liquid and said side wall defining an open end for receivingthe liquid and said bottom wall defining a closed end opposite said openend and said bottle further defining a cavity for holding the gift item;a cover removably secured to said bottle for covering said cavity forretaining the gift item within said cavity; and a locking mechanism forsecuring said cover to said bottle with said locking mechanism having afirst locking member mounted to said bottle and a second locking membermounted to said cover with said first locking member aligning with saidsecond locking member and said second locking member engaging said firstlocking member for interlocking said first and second locking members.2. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lockingmechanism further has a key for actuating the interlocking of said firstand second locking members.
 3. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim2 further comprising a cork for enclosing said open end of said bottlewith said cork housing said key of said locking mechanism.
 4. The bottleassembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said cork comprises a recessfor receiving said key of said locking mechanism.
 5. The bottle assemblyas set forth in claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism further has acombination mechanism for actuating the interlocking of said first andsecond locking members.
 6. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 1wherein said cover has a living hinge for enabling said cover to movebetween open and closed positions relative to said cavity of saidbottle.
 7. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidbottom wall curves inwardly toward said interior of said bottle anddefines said cavity of said bottle.
 8. The bottle assembly as set forthin claim 7 further comprising a container disposed within said cavityand for holding the gift item.
 9. The bottle assembly as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said bottom wall has a substantially flat surface and issubstantially perpendicular to said side wall and said side wall has aportion extending a distance beyond said bottom wall with said bottomwall and said portion of said side wall extending beyond said bottomsurface defining said cavity of said bottle.
 10. The bottle assembly asset forth in claim 9 further comprising a container disposed within saidcavity for holding the gift item.
 11. The bottle assembly as set forthin claim 1 wherein a portion of said side wall curves inwardly towardsaid interior of said bottle and defines said cavity for holding thegift item.
 12. A bottle assembly carrying a gift item of value, saidbottle assembly comprising: a bottle having at least one side wall and abottom wall coupled to said side wall with said side wall and saidbottom wall defining an interior of said bottle for holding a liquid andsaid side wall defining an open end for receiving the liquid and saidbottom wall defining a closed end opposite said open end; a containermounted to said bottle for holding a gift item with said containerfurther having an opening; a cover removably secured to said containerfor covering said opening and retaining the gift item within saidcontainer; and a locking mechanism for securing said cover to saidcontainer with said locking mechanism having a first locking membermounted to said container and a second locking member mounted to saidcover with said first locking member aligning with said second lockingmember and said second locking member engaging said first locking memberfor interlocking said first and second locking members.
 13. The bottleassembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said locking mechanism furtherhas a key for actuating the interlocking of said first and secondlocking members.
 14. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 13further comprising a cork for enclosing said open end of said bottlewith said cork housing said key of said locking mechanism.
 15. Thebottle assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said cork comprises arecess for receiving said key of said locking mechanism.
 16. The bottleassembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said locking mechanism furtherhas a combination mechanism for actuating the interlocking of said firstand second locking members.
 17. The bottle assembly as set forth inclaim 12 wherein said container is mounted to said bottle with anadhesive.
 18. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein saidbottom wall is substantially flat and said container is mounted to saidbottom wall.
 19. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 12 whereinsaid container is mounted to said side wall.
 20. A bottle assemblycarrying a gift item of value, said bottle assembly comprising: a bottlehaving at least one side wall and a bottom wall coupled to said sidewall with said side wall and said bottom wall defining an interior ofsaid bottle for holding a liquid and said side wall defining an open endfor receiving the liquid and said bottom wall defining a closed endopposite said open end; a container for holding the gift item with saidcontainer coupled to said bottle and having first and second piecesremovably secured to one another; and a locking mechanism for securingsaid first and second pieces with said locking mechanism having a firstlocking member mounted to said first piece and a second locking membermounted to said second piece with said first locking member aligningwith said second locking member and said second locking member engagingsaid first locking member for interlocking said first and second lockingmembers.
 21. The bottle assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein saidfirst and second pieces form a clamshell having a living hingepre-joining said first and second pieces to one another.
 22. The bottleassembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein said locking mechanismcomprises first and second locking mechanisms with said first lockingmechanism for removeably securing said first and second pieces at one afirst location and said second locking mechanism for removeably securingsaid first and second pieces at a second location.